A strain nutrition package

Abstract

This application relates to a nutrient package for fungal inoculation, belonging to the field of Auricularia auricula-judae cultivation technology. The nutrient package includes a packaging bag and a sealing assembly. The packaging bag contains a culture medium for inoculating the fungal spawn, and has an opening. The sealing assembly includes a collar, a retaining ring, and a sealing film. A portion of the packaging bag around the opening passes through the collar and folds outward to open and fix the opening to the collar. The sealing film covers the side of the collar away from the culture medium to seal the opening. The retaining ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the collar to press and fix the sealing film and the folded portion of the packaging bag to the collar. The sealing film is a composite non-woven fabric containing a meltblown layer. The nutrient package for fungal inoculation provided in this application can block the entry of viruses and bacteria while also having good air permeability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of Auricularia auricula cultivation technology, and more specifically, to a nutrient package for fungal strains. Background Technology

[0002] In the large-scale cultivation of Auricularia auricula-judae, the spawn nutrient bag (also known as a spawn bag or spawn stick) is the main carrier for mycelial growth. Its structure usually includes a packaging bag containing the culture medium, with an opening for inoculation. After inoculation, the opening needs to be sealed.

[0003] Currently, the following two methods are commonly used for sealing the inoculation port of the mushroom bag: Covering the inoculation site with newspaper, kraft paper, or ordinary cotton cloth and then securing it with rubber bands or ropes is cumbersome, results in inconsistent sealing, and the materials themselves have large fiber gaps and uneven pore size distribution. While the material offers some permeability during the mycelial cultivation stage, it cannot effectively prevent the invasion of external microorganisms (such as *Penicillium* and *Trichoderma*) spores and tiny insect eggs into the culture medium. Once these microorganisms enter through the pores of the sealing material, it can easily lead to contamination and spoilage of the inoculation bag, causing economic losses.

[0004] Ordinary spunbond nonwoven fabric or ordinary plastic microporous membrane is used for sealing. Although ordinary spunbond nonwoven fabric has good strength, its fiber diameter is relatively large, and the pore diameter formed between the fibers is also large, making it difficult to achieve a balance between air permeability and bacterial barrier properties. If air permeability is prioritized to ensure oxygen exchange required for mycelial growth, low-weight, large-pore nonwoven fabric should be used, but this sacrifices filtration and barrier effects, allowing viruses, bacterial spores, and insect eggs to easily penetrate the sealing film and enter the bag, causing culture medium contamination. If high-density nonwoven fabric or dense plastic film is used to prioritize bacterial barrier properties, although it can block some bacteria, it will obstruct gas exchange between the inside and outside of the bag. Carbon dioxide produced by mycelial respiration cannot be expelled in time, and fresh oxygen from the outside cannot enter, resulting in a decrease in oxygen content and an excessive accumulation of carbon dioxide concentration inside the spawn bag. This inhibits the rate of mycelial feeding and growth vitality, prolongs the culture period, and may even cause strain degeneration or malformation.

[0005] Therefore, the existing technology lacks a sealing solution for mushroom bags that can effectively block the entry of viruses and bacteria while ensuring a good air-permeable and oxygen-supplying environment inside the mushroom bags. This has become a key technical bottleneck restricting the improvement of mushroom bag yield and mycelium growth quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a microbial nutrient pack that can block the entry of viruses and other bacteria while having good air permeability, thereby improving the aforementioned problems.

[0007] This application is achieved through the following technical solution: This application provides a microbial nutrient package, which includes a packaging bag and a sealing assembly. The packaging bag contains a culture medium for inoculating microorganisms, and the packaging bag has an opening. The sealing assembly includes a collar, a retaining ring, and a sealing film. A portion of the packaging bag around the opening passes through the collar and is folded outward to open and fix the opening to the collar. The sealing film covers the side of the collar away from the culture medium to seal the opening. The retaining ring is fitted around the collar to press and fix the sealing film and the folded portion of the packaging bag to the collar. The sealing film is a composite nonwoven fabric containing a meltblown layer.

[0008] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the sealing film uses a composite nonwoven fabric containing a meltblown layer. The unique three-dimensional mesh structure of the meltblown layer's ultrafine fibers forms a physical barrier against airborne dust, bacterial spores, and tiny insect eggs, solving the contamination problem caused by external invasion of the cultured genes inside the packaging bag. While effectively blocking bacteria, the composite nonwoven sealing film containing the meltblown layer does not clog its microporous structure, allowing carbon dioxide produced by mycelial respiration inside the packaging bag to escape smoothly, while allowing external oxygen to enter the bag. Mycelial bags using this sealing film exhibit rapid, white, and dense mycelial germination, and are less prone to mycelial stagnation or aging and autolysis due to oxygen deficiency.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sealing film further includes a spunbond layer, and the material of both sides of the meltblown layer is a spunbond layer.

[0010] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, both sides of the meltblown layer have a spunbond structure, ensuring that the core meltblown layer remains intact when the sealing film is subjected to sealing pressure, handling collisions, and the stacking of mycelium bags. This provides a continuous and stable antimicrobial environment inside the packaging bag throughout the entire cultivation cycle. During the post-ripening stage after the mycelium has fully colonized, the humidity of the cultivation environment fluctuates greatly. The spunbond layer, as the surface material, has superior dimensional stability and moisture resistance compared to the meltblown layer. This prevents the sealing film from sagging due to moisture absorption or heat, ensuring that the gas exchange area at the opening remains constant.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sealing film is a five-layer composite nonwoven fabric, with each layer consisting of a spunbond layer, a meltblown layer, a meltblown layer, and a spunbond layer in sequence along its thickness direction; adjacent layers are bonded together by thermal rolling, and the penetration depth of the thermal rolling bonding point is 15% to 25% of the total thickness of the composite nonwoven fabric.

[0012] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, two meltblown layers are bonded together to form a dual filtration barrier. When tiny airborne microbial spores penetrate the first meltblown layer, they are directly intercepted by the second meltblown layer. Due to the tight bonding between the two layers and the interlacing of the fiber network, the path length for microorganisms to penetrate the sealing film is extended, thereby reducing the probability of penetration. In the later stages of mycelial culture, the humidity inside the packaging bag is extremely high. Compared with a single-layer structure, the two bonded meltblown layers can provide a larger fiber surface area to adsorb or intercept water vapor condensation. At the same time, the remaining three spunbond layers are distributed on the outside, playing a guiding and skeletal support role, preventing the meltblown layers from softening and collapsing due to moisture absorption, and ensuring the stability of the sealing film and the unobstructed filtration channels throughout the entire culture cycle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the meltblown layer accounts for 20% to 30% of the mass of the composite nonwoven fabric.

[0014] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, when the meltblown layer accounts for 20% to 30% of the mass of the composite nonwoven fabric, the sealing film can form a sufficiently dense fiber network to effectively block the invasion of external bacteria, while retaining sufficient microporous channels for bidirectional diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide, thus achieving a balance between antibacterial effect and breathability.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sealing film further includes an inoculation area that faces the opening and does not exceed the outer diameter of the collar; the inoculation area is used for an inoculation gun to pass through and extend into the opening to inoculate the culture medium.

[0016] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, because an inoculation area is set directly opposite the opening, the inoculation gun only needs to pass through this local area, and the rest of the opening is always covered and protected by the sealing film throughout the entire inoculation process. Bacteria in the inoculation environment lack a large-area channel to directly enter the packaging bag, thus effectively controlling the inoculation contamination rate.

[0017] In some embodiments, paper tape is affixed to the side of the inoculation area away from the culture medium.

[0018] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, during the process of the inoculation gun needle piercing the paper tape and sealing film, the paper tape adheres tightly to the surface of the sealing film. When the needle penetrates, the paper fibers and adhesive layer of the paper tape physically scrape and adsorb onto the outer wall of the needle. If the inoculation gun needle is contaminated with dust or bacterial spores in the environment, some of the contaminants will be intercepted and adhered by the fibers and adhesive layer of the paper tape at the moment of penetration, thereby reducing the amount of contaminants directly brought into the packaging bag by the needle. After the inoculation gun is withdrawn, the original paper tape, due to its own material, will pull the sealing film around the punctured opening of the inoculation gun back, thereby sealing the puncture hole, making the surface of the paper tape dry and clean, and able to cover the entire inoculation area completely. This is crucial for preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs at the needle hole by following the scent of sugar solution; the paper tape 4 completely blocks the odor escape channel and the insect egg invasion channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the retaining ring is a resilient retaining ring.

[0020] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the elastic retaining ring uses the principle of natural rebound after being stretched to lock, which reduces the dependence on the operator's strength and ensures the stability of sealing quality between batches.

[0021] In some embodiments, a convex ring extending radially is provided on the side of the collar away from the culture medium; the retaining ring presses the sealing film and the folded packaging bag portion against the outer peripheral surface of the collar and the surface of the convex ring facing the culture medium.

[0022] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, since the clamping force is simultaneously distributed to two areas—the outer peripheral surface and the surface of the convex ring facing the culture medium—the unit area pressure on the edge of the sealing film is dispersed. Even after prolonged pressure, the edge of the sealing film maintains structural integrity, without the formation of microporous leakage channels due to localized crushing. The convex ring extends radially, and its side facing away from the culture medium (the upper surface) provides a flat supporting ring surface for the sealing film. When the inoculation gun punctures the inoculation area, this supporting ring surface prevents the sealing film from collapsing downwards due to force, ensuring controllable puncture depth and stable inoculation area position. Simultaneously, during the culture process, the sealing film remains flat and taut due to the support of the convex ring, maintaining a constant gas exchange area and preventing material loosening from affecting the air permeability.

[0023] In some embodiments, the folded portion of the packaging bag does not extend beyond the edge of the sealing film.

[0024] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the packaging bag is made of plastic film, which has a smooth surface but a relatively sharp edge at the end cut after folding, and there are tiny interlayer gaps. If the folded portion of the packaging bag extends beyond the edge of the sealing film and is directly exposed to the external environment, during the cultivation of the mushroom bag, if the ambient humidity is high or a water spraying humidification operation is performed, the moisture will climb upwards along the tiny gaps at the folded edge of the packaging bag due to capillary action, carrying along with the spores of miscellaneous bacteria attached to the external environment into the sealed area below the sealing film, ultimately invading the inside of the packaging bag. In this embodiment, since the folded portion of the packaging bag does not exceed the edge of the sealing film, its cut end is completely covered and shielded by the sealing film, cutting off the entrance for capillary moisture to climb upwards, fundamentally blocking this potential contamination path.

[0025] In some embodiments, there are two openings, and the two openings are arranged opposite each other with the packaging bag as the center; each opening is provided with a sealing component.

[0026] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, two openings are arranged opposite each other with the packaging bag as the center. Mycelia can be inoculated from both ends simultaneously or sequentially, and gas exchange occurs simultaneously from both ends. The culture medium in the central area of ​​the packaging bag is no longer a gas exchange dead zone. Oxygen supply is sufficient, and carbon dioxide is discharged in time. The growth rate of mycelia in the entire bag of culture medium is more uniform, and the overall mycelial growth cycle is significantly shortened. This embodiment utilizes the openings arranged opposite each other at both ends and the corresponding sealing components to form a two-way ventilation channel. Oxygen diffuses from both ends to the center, and carbon dioxide is discharged from both ends to the outside, flattening the gas concentration gradient in the longitudinal direction inside the bag. This creates a more uniform and suitable growth microenvironment for the mycelia in the entire bag, and the uniformity and yield of fruiting bodies in various parts of the bag are correspondingly improved.

[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A front view of a microbial nutrient pack provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the microbial nutrient pack provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3Exploded views of microbial nutrient packs provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of microbial nutrient packs provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sealing film provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Icons: 1-Packaging bag; 10-Opening; 2-Cultivation medium; 3-Sealing assembly; 30-Ring; 300-Convex ring; 31-Clamping ring; 32-Sealing film; 320-Meltblown layer; 321-Spunbond layer; 322-Inoculation area; 4-Paper tape. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0033] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0036] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0037] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, this application provides a microbial nutrient package, which includes a packaging bag 1 and a sealing component 3. The packaging bag 1 contains a culture medium 2 for inoculating microorganisms, and the packaging bag 1 has an opening 10. The sealing component 3 includes a collar 30, a retaining ring 31, and a sealing film 32. A portion of the packaging bag 1 around the opening 10 passes through the collar 30 and is folded outward to open and fix the opening 10 to the collar 30. The sealing film 32 covers the side of the collar 30 away from the culture medium 2 to seal the opening 10. The retaining ring 31 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the collar 30 to press and fix the sealing film 32 and the folded portion of the packaging bag 1 to the collar 30. The sealing film 32 is a composite nonwoven fabric containing a meltblown layer 320.

[0038] The single meltblown layer 320 has extremely low material strength, is easily broken, and is not resistant to moisture. The sealing film 32 mentioned in this application is a composite nonwoven fabric, which means that the meltblown layer 320 is used in combination with a support layer (such as a spunbond layer 321). In practical applications, the retaining ring 31 exerts a strong circumferential tensile force on the edge of the sealing film 32 when it is fitted into the collar 30. The composite structure ensures that the sealing film 32 will not break when compressed and stretched by the retaining ring 31, thus guaranteeing the mechanical integrity of the sealing structure.

[0039] The packaging bag 1 mentioned in this application is a transparent plastic bag.

[0040] In practical application, a packaging bag 1 is first provided, which contains culture medium 2 for inoculating the bacterial strain. One end of the packaging bag 1 has an opening 10 for subsequent inoculation. The operator picks up the loop 30, passes the plastic film of the packaging bag 1 around the opening 10 through the center of the loop 30, and then folds it outward so that the folded bag film completely covers the loop 30, thereby opening and fixing the originally loose opening 10 into a standard circular inoculation port.

[0041] Subsequently, the operator takes out a sealing film 32, which is a composite non-woven fabric containing a meltblown layer 320. This sealing film 32 is then laid flat over the side of the collar 30 facing away from the culture medium 2, completely sealing the open opening 10. Next, a retaining ring 31 is taken and pressed down from above the sealing film 32, tightly fitting the retaining ring 31 around the outer periphery of the collar 30. During the pressing process, the inner wall of the retaining ring 31 presses the edge of the sealing film 32 and the folded portion of the packaging bag 1 against the side wall of the collar 30, achieving a mechanical interference fit and compression fixation between the three. This completes the sealing preparation before inoculation of the nutrient pack.

[0042] During the cultivation process, the sealing film 32, made of a composite nonwoven fabric containing a meltblown layer 320, utilizes the unique three-dimensional mesh structure of ultrafine fibers in the meltblown layer 320 to form a physical barrier against airborne dust, bacterial spores, and tiny insect eggs, thus solving the problem of contamination of the culture medium 2 inside the packaging bag 1 due to external intrusion. While effectively blocking bacteria, the composite nonwoven sealing film 32 with its meltblown layer 320 does not clog its microporous structure, allowing carbon dioxide produced by mycelial respiration inside the packaging bag 1 to escape smoothly, while allowing external oxygen to enter the bag. Mycelial bags using this sealing film 32 exhibit rapid, white, and dense mycelial germination, and are less prone to mycelial stagnation or autolysis due to oxygen deficiency.

[0043] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the sealing film 32 also includes a spunbond layer 321, and the material of both sides of the meltblown layer 320 is the spunbond layer 321.

[0044] During the process of fitting the retaining ring 31 onto the outer periphery of the collar 30, the edge of the retaining ring 31 will experience intense sliding friction with the surface of the sealing film 32. Since both sides of the meltblown layer 320 are made of spunbond layer 321, the retaining ring 31 directly contacts and rubs against the more wear-resistant spunbond layer 321, rather than the fragile meltblown layer 320. Because the surface of the spunbond layer 321 is relatively smooth, the retaining ring 31 can slide more smoothly to the bottom locking position of the collar 30, and during the pressing process, the edge of the sealing film 32 is supported by the stretch of the spunbond layer 321, making it less prone to fuzzing, tearing, or curling.

[0045] The meltblown layer 320 has a structure where both sides of the surface are spunbond layers 321. This ensures that the core meltblown layer 320 remains intact when the sealing film 32 is subjected to sealing pressure, handling collisions, and the stacking of the mycelium bags, thus providing a continuous and stable antimicrobial environment inside the packaging bag 1 throughout the entire cultivation cycle. The stress on the material is most concentrated at the pressed edge between the collar 30 and the retaining ring 31. Because both sides of the meltblown layer 320 are made of spunbond layers 321, the sealing film 32 has higher tear resistance in this edge area. Even if a slight positive pressure is generated inside the packaging bag 1 due to mycelial respiration and heat, the sealing film 32 will not detach from under the retaining ring 31 or bulge and leak, ensuring the airtightness of the opening 10 and the uniqueness of the filtration path. During the post-ripening stage after the mycelium has fully colonized, the humidity of the cultivation environment fluctuates greatly. As a surface material, the spunbond layer 321 has better dimensional stability and moisture resistance than the meltblown layer 320. This prevents the sealing film 32 from sagging due to moisture absorption or heat, ensuring that the gas exchange area at the opening 10 remains constant.

[0046] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the sealing film 32 is a five-layer composite nonwoven fabric. Along its thickness direction, the materials of each layer are, in order, spunbond layer 321, spunbond layer 321, meltblown layer 320, meltblown layer 321, and spunbond layer 321. Adjacent layers are bonded together by hot rolling, and the penetration depth of the hot rolling bonding point is 15% to 25% of the total thickness of the composite nonwoven fabric.

[0047] When the penetration depth of the hot-rolled bonding point is less than 15% of the total thickness of the composite nonwoven fabric, the bonding strength between adjacent layers is insufficient. During subsequent cutting, handling, and clamping of the retaining ring 31, the layers are prone to peeling, bubbling, or misalignment, causing the meltblown layer 320 to lose the effective support and protection of the spunbond layer 321. When the penetration depth of the hot-rolled bonding point is greater than 25% of the total thickness of the composite nonwoven fabric, the hot-rolled protrusion may completely crush and melt through the two meltblown layers 320 at the weld point, forming dense plastic film dots. Although the adhesion is strong, the effective air permeability area of ​​the sealing film 32 is reduced, and gas exchange is hindered.

[0048] In comparative applications under the same cultivation environment (such as a greenhouse with a high concentration of airborne microbial spores), the contamination rate of the culture medium 2 inside the nutrient package using the five-layer sealing film 32 provided in this application was further reduced. This is because the two meltblown layers 320 are bonded together, forming a double filtration barrier. When tiny airborne microbial spores penetrate the first meltblown layer 320, they are directly intercepted by the second meltblown layer 320. Due to the tight bonding between the two layers and the interlacing of the fiber network, the path length for microorganisms to penetrate the sealing film 32 is extended, thereby reducing the probability of penetration. Although the sealing film 32 has an increased number of layers, the bonding of the two meltblown layers 320 is not a simple dense superposition. In actual mycelial culture, it was observed that the carbon dioxide produced by mycelial respiration could still be smoothly discharged through the five-layer structure, and there was no abnormal accumulation of carbon dioxide concentration inside the packaging bag 1 due to excessive thickness of the sealing film 32. This is because the two-layer meltblown layer 320, which is bonded together, still retains microporous channels, while the other three-layer spunbond layer 321 have coarser fiber diameters and larger pores, thus having minimal impact on the overall air permeability. During long-term cultivation, the clamping force between the collar 30 and the retaining ring 31 will slightly decrease due to material creep. Because the sealing film 32 in this embodiment has two layers of meltblown layer 320 bonded together, its overall thickness and compression resilience are enhanced. When the clamping force of the retaining ring 31 fluctuates slightly with changes in temperature and humidity, the sealing film 32, with its better thickness retention capacity, can continuously fill the tiny gap between the retaining ring 31 and the collar 30, preventing the risk of bacteria directly entering the opening 10 along the gaps due to loosening at the edges. In the later stages of mycelial cultivation, the humidity inside the packaging bag 1 is extremely high. Compared to a single-layer structure, the two-layer meltblown layer 320 bonded together can provide a larger fiber surface area to adsorb or intercept water vapor condensation. Meanwhile, the remaining three spunbond layers 321 are distributed on the outer side, serving as a guide and skeletal support, preventing the meltblown layer 320 from softening and collapsing due to moisture absorption, thus ensuring the morphological stability and unobstructed filtration channels of the sealing film 32 throughout the entire cultivation cycle. This embodiment limits the penetration depth to the range of 15%–25%, achieving a balance between interlayer bonding strength and filtration permeability. The fibers are firmly bonded at the weld points, preventing delamination between layers; the fiber structure remains intact and the pore channels are unobstructed in non-weld point areas.

[0049] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the meltblown layer 320 accounts for 20% to 30% of the mass of the composite nonwoven fabric.

[0050] When the meltblown layer 320 accounts for less than 20% of the mass of the composite nonwoven fabric, it means that the number of meltblown layer 320 fibers per unit area is insufficient. At the microscopic level, the spacing between fibers is too large, resulting in a large number of through-pores in the fiber network with diameters much larger than the size of bacterial spores. In this case, the ultrafine fibers responsible for filtration and interception do not form a continuous three-dimensional interception network, but rather exhibit an island-like or sparse network distribution. The probability of bacterial spores bypassing the fibers along the airflow direction decreases, while the penetration probability increases. Taking Trichoderma, a common contaminating fungus in the production of Auricularia auricula-judae, as an example, its conidia have a diameter of approximately 3-4 micrometers. To effectively intercept particles of this size, the average pore size of the fiber network needs to be controlled within 1 to 2 times the spore diameter, and the fiber packing density needs to be sufficient to construct a three-dimensional labyrinthine trapping path. When the meltblown 320 layer accounts for less than 20% of the total mass, the fiber packing density is too low, the effective pore size is too large, and it lacks the reliable interception capability for particles of this size.

[0051] When the mass percentage of meltblown layer 320 in composite nonwoven fabric is higher than 30%, it means that the number of microfibers per unit area increases, the gaps between fibers are filled, and the effective diffusion path of gas molecules in the fiber network becomes tortuous and lengthy. If this proportion is exceeded, although sealing film 32 is better in antibacterial performance, the deterioration of air permeability has begun to have a substantial negative impact on mycelial growth. In the actual use environment of the nutrient packs, the sealing film 32 needs to withstand external loads such as the clamping force of the retaining ring 31 and the stacking pressure of the nutrient packs. The meltblown layer 320 fibers themselves have low strength and are prone to fiber deformation and pore collapse under pressure. When the mass ratio of the meltblown layer 320 exceeds 30%, the high proportion of soft fibers in the sealing film 32 will further compress the fiber gaps after being compressed, and the pore channels that barely meet the air permeability requirements under no pressure will have an increased closed area after being compressed. This results in a low actual air permeability of the sealing film 32 when the nutrient packs are stacked. When the mass ratio of the meltblown layer 320 is controlled within 30%, the non-meltblown materials (such as the spunbond layer 321) act as a skeleton support in the overall structure, sharing the external load and protecting the pore structure of the meltblown layer 320 fibers from excessive compression.

[0052] When the meltblown layer 320 accounts for 20% to 30% of the mass of the composite nonwoven fabric, the sealing film 32 is exactly in the balance zone between the two performance indicators of antibacterial and breathable properties. The sealing film 32 can form a sufficiently dense fiber network to effectively block the invasion of external bacteria, while retaining sufficient microporous channels for bidirectional diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide, thus achieving a balance between antibacterial and breathable effects.

[0053] The meltblown layer 320 itself has fine fibers and low strength. If its mass proportion in the composite nonwoven fabric is too high, the overall tensile strength and abrasion resistance of the sealing film 32 will decrease. In practical applications, this can lead to the sealing film 32 being easily torn when the retaining ring 31 is tightened, or becoming fuzzy and damaged due to surface friction when the mushroom bags are stacked. By controlling the mass proportion of the meltblown layer 320 to an upper limit of 30%, it is ensured that at least 70% of the mass in the composite nonwoven fabric is still borne by materials with higher strength, thereby ensuring the structural integrity of the sealing film 32 during sealing operations and long-term use. In the later stages of mycelial cultivation, the humidity inside the packaging bag 1 increases, and the sealing film 32 will be in a high-humidity environment. If the mass proportion of the meltblown layer 320 is too low, the fiber network is prone to loosening and deformation under the action of moisture, leading to enlarged pores; if the proportion is too high, the fibers may become clogged after absorbing water and swelling. The 20% to 30% mass ratio of the meltblown layer 320 maintains a moderate fiber packing density and interfiber porosity, ensuring that it can maintain its initial filtration accuracy and air permeability even after long-term exposure to high humidity, thus ensuring a stable gas exchange environment at the opening 10 throughout the entire cultivation cycle.

[0054] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the sealing film 32 also includes an inoculation area 322, which is directly opposite the opening 10 and does not exceed the outer diameter of the collar 30; the inoculation area 322 is used for the inoculation gun to pass through and extend into the opening 10 to inoculate the culture medium 2.

[0055] In practical applications, operators do not need to remove the retaining ring 31 and sealing film 32 as a whole. Instead, they directly aim the needle of the liquid inoculation gun at the inoculation area 322 on the sealing film 32, forcefully piercing the sealing film 32. The inoculation gun tip then passes through the inoculation area 322, continues through the opening 10 created by the retaining ring 30, and finally reaches into the culture medium 2 inside the packaging bag 1. Subsequently, the inoculation gun injects the bacterial solution, completing the inoculation. After inoculation, the operator withdraws the inoculation gun needle from the inoculation area 322. Because the sealing film 32 is a composite non-woven fabric containing a meltblown layer 320, its fibers have a certain degree of resilience and fluffiness. The tiny holes formed by the puncture will quickly close under the elasticity and electrostatic adsorption of the fibers themselves. The nutrient package continues to maintain a closed culture state, requiring no further operation.

[0056] In traditional inoculation methods, the entire sealing film 32 or cap needs to be removed during inoculation, causing a large area of ​​the opening 10 to be exposed to the air in the inoculation environment at the moment of inoculation. If the cleanliness of the inoculation environment is not ideal, bacterial spores can easily drift into the packaging bag 1 during this period. However, in this embodiment, because an inoculation area 322 is set directly opposite the opening 10, the inoculation gun only needs to pass through this local area of ​​the inoculation area 322, and the rest of the opening 10 is always covered and protected by the sealing film 32 throughout the entire inoculation process. Bacteria in the inoculation environment lack a large area channel to directly enter the packaging bag 1, and the inoculation contamination rate is effectively controlled. In actual production line applications, operators do not need to perform the multi-step operation of removing the retaining ring 31, removing the sealing film 32, inoculating, putting back the sealing film 32, and pressing the retaining ring 31 back. Inoculation can be completed with only a single continuous action of puncture, injection, and withdrawal. This simplified process shortens the inoculation time per package, with a faster action cycle and a higher positioning error tolerance. Traditional inoculation methods involving repeated opening and closing of the retaining ring 31 can easily lead to deformation and damage of the sealing film 32's edge due to repeated friction and compression, thus affecting the tightness of the seal between the collar 30 and the retaining ring 31. In this embodiment, the sealing assembly 3 does not need to be disassembled during the entire inoculation process, and the original compressed state between the sealing film 32 and the collar 30 and retaining ring 31 remains intact. Therefore, the sealing edge of the nutrient pack remains highly consistent before, during, and after inoculation, avoiding the risk of edge leakage caused by differences in human disassembly and assembly.

[0057] In some edible mushroom cultivation processes, nutrient solution replenishment or secondary inoculation is required during the mid-stage of mycelial growth. The inoculation zone 322 structure in this embodiment facilitates such operations. Operators can re-inject replenishing solution through the inoculation zone 322 without damaging the original seal. Due to the self-healing properties of the fibers in the inoculation zone 322, it can maintain basic antibacterial function even after multiple punctures, avoiding the high contamination risk associated with traditional open-top replenishment methods.

[0058] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figures 2-3 and Figure 5 As shown, paper tape 4 is pasted on the side of the inoculation area 322 that is away from the culture medium 2.

[0059] In practical applications, a sheet of paper tape 4 is pre-attached to the outer surface of the inoculation area 322 of the sealing film 32 before inoculation. During inoculation, the operator does not need to remove this paper tape 4. The needle of the inoculation gun is directly aimed at the inoculation area 322 covered by the paper tape 4 and forcefully pierced through. The needle penetrates the paper tape 4 and the underlying sealing film 32 (i.e., the composite non-woven fabric containing the meltblown layer 320), passes through the opening 10 held open by the collar 30, and enters the packaging bag 1. Subsequently, liquid bacterial culture containing sugar is injected into the culture medium 2. After inoculation, the needle is withdrawn. Due to the retractable nature of the paper tape 4, the insertion hole left by the inoculation gun shrinks automatically after the gun is withdrawn, thus avoiding noticeable holes in the sealing film 32.

[0060] During the process of the inoculation gun needle piercing the paper tape 4 and sealing film 32, the paper tape 4 adheres tightly to the surface of the sealing film 32. When the needle penetrates, the paper fibers and adhesive layer of the paper tape 4 physically scrape and adsorb onto the outer wall of the needle. If the inoculation gun needle is contaminated with dust or bacterial spores in the environment, some of the contaminants will be intercepted and adhered by the fibers and adhesive layer of the paper tape 4 at the moment of penetration, thereby reducing the amount of contaminants directly introduced into the packaging bag 1 by the needle. The surface of the inoculation area 322 is covered and protected by the paper tape 4 throughout the entire piercing process, and the fibers of the inoculation area 322 are only penetrated under the cover of the paper tape 4 at the moment of needle penetration. This compresses the time window for direct contact between the inoculation area 322 and the external environment, reducing the probability of environmental bacteria settling onto the fibers of the inoculation area 322 at the moment of inoculation. After the inoculation gun is withdrawn, the original paper tape 4, due to its material, will pull back the sealing film around the puncture opening caused by the inoculation gun, thereby sealing the puncture hole. This ensures that the surface of the paper tape 4 is dry and clean, allowing it to completely cover the entire inoculation area 322. This is crucial for preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs at the needle hole due to the scent of the sugar solution; the paper tape 4 completely blocks the escape route of the scent and the entry route of the insect eggs.

[0061] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the retaining ring 31 is an elastic retaining ring 31.

[0062] When using a non-elastic rigid retaining ring 31, the operator needs to apply considerable pressure to force the retaining ring 31 into the collar 30, which can easily lead to some retaining rings 31 not being pressed in place or being pressed off-center, resulting in poor sealing consistency. In contrast, the elastic retaining ring 31 uses the principle of natural rebound after being stretched to lock, reducing the dependence on the operator's force and ensuring the stability of sealing quality between batches.

[0063] The elastic retaining ring 31 can be a rubber band.

[0064] During the pressing process, the inner edge of the rigid retaining ring 31 scrapes the surface of the sealing film 32 with a large shear force, which can easily cause the edge fibers of the sealing film 32 (especially the composite nonwoven fabric containing the meltblown layer 320) to be cut or frayed, forming weak points that are not easily visible to the naked eye. In contrast, when the elastic retaining ring 31 is inserted in the open state, its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the collar 30, and the frictional resistance between it and the surface of the sealing film 32 is minimal; it only gradually tightens after being released and springing back. This action of first avoiding and then tightening reduces the mechanical damage to the sealing film 32 during assembly, protects the integrity of the edges of the sealing film 32, and thus ensures the antibacterial sealing effect around the opening 10.

[0065] During the cultivation of the nutrient package, temperature changes occur (such as the mycelial growth and heating period followed by the cooling and ripening period). The plastic film of the packaging bag 1, the collar 30, and the sealing film 32 all undergo varying degrees of thermal expansion and contraction during this process. If the rigid retaining ring 31 loosens due to temperature changes, it cannot compensate for this, easily leading to gaps at the sealing edge. In contrast, the elastic retaining ring 31 can expand and contract synchronously with minute changes in the outer diameter of the collar 30, maintaining continuous pressure on the outer circumference of the collar 30. This dynamic adaptive characteristic prevents loosening of the seal due to temperature fluctuations, ensuring that the edge of the opening 10 remains reliably compressed and sealed throughout the entire cultivation cycle.

[0066] During the handling, stacking, and turning of the nutrient bags, they are subjected to collisions and vibrations. Rigid retaining rings 31, when subjected to lateral impacts, may undergo plastic deformation or even detach due to localized stress concentration. In contrast, elastic retaining rings 31 have the ability to absorb vibration energy. Upon brief impacts, they can buffer the external force through slight elastic deformation and quickly return to their original shape after the force disappears, making them less prone to permanent deformation or displacement. This effect reduces the risk of sealing failure due to logistical operations.

[0067] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the collar 30 has a convex ring 300 extending radially on the side opposite to the culture medium 2; the retaining ring 31 presses the sealing film 32 and the folded packaging bag 1 part tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the collar 30 and the surface of the convex ring 300 facing the culture medium 2.

[0068] When only the outer circumferential surface of the collar 30 is used, the compression of the sealing film 32 and the packaging bag 1 by the retaining ring 31 and the collar 30 is basically a line contact or a narrow band contact. However, in this embodiment, the compression area includes two parts: one is the radial compression on the outer circumferential surface of the collar 30, and the other is the axial compression on the surface of the convex ring 300 facing the culture medium 2. This combined radial and axial compression method creates a bent sealing path at the edge of the sealing film 32 between the retaining ring 31 and the collar 30. If external bacteria want to invade from the edge of the opening 10, they must successively bypass the axial compression surface and the radial compression surface, increasing the length of the invasion path and thus enhancing the sealing and antibacterial effect.

[0069] Without the convex ring 300, the clamping force of the retaining ring 31 on the sealing film 32 is concentrated on a narrow line on the outer peripheral surface of the collar 30, resulting in extremely high local stress. This can easily cause the meltblown layer 320 fibers at the edge of the sealing film 32 to be crushed or cut. In this embodiment, because the clamping force is simultaneously distributed to two areas—the outer peripheral surface and the surface of the convex ring 300 facing the culture medium 2—the unit area pressure on the edge of the sealing film 32 is dispersed. Even after prolonged pressure, the edge of the sealing film 32 maintains its structural integrity, and no microporous leakage channels formed due to localized crushing appear.

[0070] The convex ring 300 extends radially, and its side facing away from the culture medium 2 (upper surface) provides a flat supporting ring surface for the sealing film 32. When the inoculation gun punctures the inoculation area 322, this supporting ring surface prevents the sealing film 32 from collapsing downwards due to force, ensuring controllable puncture depth and stable position of the inoculation area 322. At the same time, during the culture process, the sealing film 32 is supported by the convex ring 300 and remains flat and taut, maintaining a constant gas exchange area and preventing the permeability from being affected by material loosening.

[0071] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figures 4-5 As shown, the folded portion of the packaging bag 1 does not extend beyond the edge of the sealing film 32.

[0072] The packaging bag 1 is made of plastic film, with a smooth surface but a sharp edge at the folded end, and tiny gaps between the layers. If the folded portion of the packaging bag 1 extends beyond the edge of the sealing film 32 and is directly exposed to the external environment, during the culture period, if the ambient humidity is high or humidification is performed, moisture will rise along the tiny gaps at the folded edge of the packaging bag 1 due to capillary action, carrying along with spores of other microorganisms attached to the external environment into the sealed area below the sealing film 32, ultimately invading the interior of the packaging bag 1. In this embodiment, since the folded portion of the packaging bag 1 does not extend beyond the edge of the sealing film 32, its folded end is completely covered and shielded by the sealing film 32, cutting off the entrance for capillary moisture to rise and fundamentally blocking this potential contamination path.

[0073] During the clamping process of the retaining ring 31, a first sealing interface is formed between the inner wall of the retaining ring 31 and the outer surface of the sealing film 32. If the folded portion of the packaging bag 1 extends beyond the edge of the sealing film 32, the inner wall of the retaining ring 31 will directly press against the plastic film surface of the packaging bag 1. Because the surface of the plastic film of the packaging bag 1 is smooth and has high hardness, the coefficient of friction and conformability between it and the retaining ring 31 are not as good as those of the fibrous surface of the sealing film 32. It is easy for relative sliding to occur during vibration or temperature changes, resulting in a relaxation of the sealing pressure. In this embodiment, the retaining ring 31 is always pressed tightly against the fibrous surface of the sealing film 32. By utilizing the compressibility and high coefficient of friction of the sealing film 32 material, a more stable and reliable friction locking interface is formed.

[0074] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, there are two openings 10, and the two openings 10 are arranged opposite each other with the packaging bag 1 as the center; a sealing component 3 is provided at each opening 10.

[0075] In large-scale production, to increase the yield per package, the packaging bag 1 is often designed as a long cylindrical shape, with a material capacity of several kilograms. If only a single opening 10 is provided, the mycelium, after inoculation from one end, needs to gradually spread and grow along the longitudinal direction of the packaging bag 1 towards the other end. Because the carbon dioxide produced by mycelial respiration is difficult to expel from the depths of the packaging bag 1, and oxygen also has difficulty diffusing from the single opening 10 to the far end, the culture medium 2 at the far end remains in a state of chronic hypoxia, and the mycelial ingestion rate decreases significantly with increasing distance. In this embodiment, since the two openings 10 are positioned opposite each other with the packaging bag 1 as the center, the mycelium can be inoculated simultaneously or sequentially from both ends, and gas exchange also occurs simultaneously from both ends. The culture medium 2 in the central area of ​​the packaging bag 1 is no longer a gas exchange blind zone; oxygen supply is sufficient, and carbon dioxide is expelled in a timely manner. The growth rate of the mycelium in the entire culture medium 2 is more uniform, and the overall mycelial growth cycle is significantly shortened.

[0076] During the cultivation of single-opening mycelium bags, the gas concentration inside the bag exhibits a significant gradient distribution. Near the opening (10), oxygen is abundant and carbon dioxide concentration is low, while further away from the opening (10), oxygen is scarce and carbon dioxide accumulates. This uneven gas environment leads to significant differences in mycelial growth in different parts of the packaging bag (1), with mycelium near the opening aging and mycelium at the far end becoming weak. This embodiment utilizes the openings (10) positioned opposite each other at both ends and the corresponding sealing components (3) to form a two-way ventilation channel. Oxygen diffuses from both ends towards the center, while carbon dioxide is released from both ends to the outside, flattening the longitudinal gas concentration gradient inside the bag. This creates a more uniform and suitable microenvironment for the mycelium throughout the bag, resulting in a corresponding increase in the uniformity and yield of fruiting bodies at different parts of the bag.

[0077] In actual production, if the single opening of a single-opening culture bag becomes contaminated during inoculation or cultivation, the entire bag of culture medium 2 will be rendered unusable. However, in this embodiment, the two openings are relatively independent. Even if the sealing component 3 at one end becomes locally contaminated due to improper handling or accidental damage, contaminating bacteria typically invade from that end and spread inwards, while the culture medium 2 at the other end remains healthy initially. Operators can promptly identify and remove the contaminated end, salvaging the remaining portion. This dual-opening structure provides effective risk diversification and loss control for large-scale production.

[0078] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A nutrient pack for microbial strains, characterized in that, include: The packaging bag contains a culture medium for inoculating microorganisms, and the packaging bag has an opening; A sealing assembly includes a collar, a retaining ring, and a sealing film. A portion of the packaging bag around the opening passes through the collar and folds outward to open and fix the opening onto the collar. The sealing film covers the side of the collar away from the culture medium to seal the opening. The retaining ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the collar to press and fix the sealing film and the folded portion of the packaging bag onto the collar. The sealing film is a composite nonwoven fabric containing a meltblown layer.

2. The microbial nutrient package according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing film also includes a spunbond layer, and the material of both sides of the meltblown layer is the spunbond layer.

3. The microbial nutrient package according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing film is a five-layer composite nonwoven fabric. Along its thickness direction, the materials of each layer are, in order, spunbond layer, meltblown layer, meltblown layer, and spunbond layer. Adjacent layers are bonded together by hot rolling, and the penetration depth of the hot rolling bonding point is 15% to 25% of the total thickness of the composite nonwoven fabric.

4. The microbial nutrient pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The meltblown layer accounts for 20% to 30% of the mass of the composite nonwoven fabric.

5. The microbial nutrient pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing film is provided with an inoculation area, which is directly opposite the opening and does not exceed the outer diameter of the collar. The inoculation area is for the inoculation gun to pass through to insert into the opening and inoculate the culture medium.

6. The microbial nutrient pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The side of the inoculation area opposite to the culture medium is covered with adhesive tape.

7. The microbial nutrient package according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining ring is an elastic retaining ring.

8. The microbial nutrient pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collar has a convex ring extending radially on the side opposite to the culture medium. The retaining ring presses the sealing film and the folded packaging bag portion against the outer circumferential surface of the collar and the surface of the convex ring facing the culture medium.

9. A nutrient pack for microbial strains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folded portion of the packaging bag does not extend beyond the edge of the sealing film.

10. A nutrient pack for microbial strains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of openings is two, and the two openings are arranged opposite each other with the packaging bag as the center; Each of the openings is provided with a corresponding sealing component.

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